Jim McMillan, Warbots, Special Classes, Electronics Camps, Project kits, Kinetic Learning Center, Creative materials

Any Questions,
ideas/comments?
e-mail Jim

Camp Reg.
Now Open
972-744-7850

Collection of class and camp pictures plus some submitted by my students, see electronic art, warbots, individual, group and project pics, Jim McMillan, Kinetic Learning Center, Dallas

What & Why I Teach, goals and purpose, Jim McMillan's qualifications, special projects, methods & timing, developing creative skills and abilities, Kinetic Learning Center, Home School, Enrichment materials, Robotics, educational, projects

KLC development page for html, gif's & new projects - Jim McMillan, Dallas, special classes, use hands-on projects, to teach, problem solving skills, electronics, and divergent thinking abilities

Art, Technology & WarBot Camps

Director Jim McMillan's background & qualifications!

Director Jim McMillan: Inventor, Research & Product Design Engineer & Teacher.
Interested in finding new locations to hold my classes and camps

This is a radically modified 4x4, 12 freq Hummer with shortened wheelbase, quick steering, cooling fan, dual 4500 batteries & much more...

'Pit-Bull' WarBot project
Vote for..Triple Rat Racer
Test Run 1, Run 2, Run 3

Bulletin Board

Get a jump on your future competition, be years ahead!

Get a Head Start

This is an accurate test, see how your connection measures up

Internet Spd Ck

Se 'The Challenge' from BOZO, the head sheep

Beat the Sheep

If not for Camp then e-mail me before you order

Class Descriptions

Class Schedule

Registration

Movie Library

The best Sub on the market, Nikko list price was apx $150! Have 4

SeaWolf Sub: $60
Brand new! Only have four left, will dive, steer and moves very well.

Come: learn how to invent stuff -

          Take things apart to see how they work!
                         Dream about . . . building Warbots?
        Make dreams become plans & plans...
                      become things that work - even if you don't
                                  know an LED from a PCB.... then ....

Get a technological
Head-Start on your future

COMPETITION!

Updates & Announcements:

Special Discount: Free (no) Materials fee for the first 10 people to register on Friday or Sat for next weeks 'Things That Fly' camp - we are at 50% of last years numbers and I bought enough stuff for another 35 person session. When you register e-mail me your registration receipt number and put 'Free MF request' in the subject line, you will then get personalized e-mail confirmation number to bring to first day of camp. Things-that-Fly and WarBot Robotics are camp favorites every year! Sign up today and bring a friend.

NOTICE 1: Unless registration picks up this will probably be my last year in Richardson (been here over 12 yrs). Bring or tell your friends about camp - we are at 50% of last years numbers.

NOTICE 2: I returned the Blue-Ray player it didn't seem any better than the 1080 DVD player and cost $300. Now have new... 1080 upload DVD/VHS player. You may bring appropriate VHS/DVD movies to camp to share, however, PG-13 movies are very iffy and must have a minor reason for the rating or we can't show it! Click to see current movie list.

Fall Schedule: Since RHSA didn't have room for my How Things Work, class this Fall, I will offer it plus Sci-Tech-1 (Technical Science) and Sci-Tech-2 at Heights Park Center on Tuesdays between 2:45 and 6:00. Check back in June for the Fall Heights Center schedule.

Camp Registration: Call Hts Pk, 972-744-7850 or click here for camp information.

Looking for .... new locations to teach and a new Camp Location for Summer 2010.
Call or e-mail me if you need details or have suggestions.

Special Sale! Get a second/backup Red (9.6v) or Yellow (7.2v) Nikko Battery Pack with charger for only $12.50. Retails for $24 ($20 at Hobby Town) e-mail me or see 'Special Options' to order.

College applications: refer to our classes asTechnical Science (Sci-Tech 1), Applied
Science (How Things Work) and Pre-Engineering (Sci-Tech 2).

Pictures: click to see class, Camp, WarBot and Rat-Trap Racer pictures. E-mail me digital pictures you would like to have considered for display in this section.

"Technological Head Start"

Popular Dallas teacher Jim McMillan uses specially designed creative hands-on
projects designed to teach you how to think-on-your-feet. Learn to quickly
analyize the facts in a given situation and initiate a creative course of action.
Develop your basic skills, technical knowledge and mechanical abilities!

These classes teach application skills and understnding of the rules & formulas.

Develop your problem solving skills & abilities plus a positive "I-can-do-it" attitude

Former three time Science Fair winner, Scoutmaster, and Research & Product Design
Engineer, Mr. McMillan has developed a unique program combining scientific principles
& theory with practical hands-on problem solving techniques. Review class descriptions
below, If have questions, e-mail me

Class Descriptions:

Gadgets & Gizmos	(7-10)	Fun With Tools
How Things Work	(9-16)	Applied Science
Sci-Tech 1	(9-14)	Technical Science
Sci-Tech 2	(11-17)	Pre-Engineering

Gadgets & Gizmos
  Fun with Tools  for ages 7-10

This is a school year program but you may join at any time.
Students make (and keep) unique DC electrical and mechanical projects that are
fun and easy to build. They learn about soldering, tools, tool safety, making plans,
following directions and working with others. We offer new projects each year that
reinforce the class lessons and help develop and hone abilites.
The projects are opportunities to demonstrate basic principles and discover creative
problem-solving skills and techniques. This hands-on class is appealing to both
boys and girls who like to "make-it-happen".
The goal is to open eyes to the possibilities of what can be accomplished - not
someday but here and now - and to develop the needed skills.

Descriptions         Back To Top

How Things Work:  (Applied Science)

For the would-be inventer, this class will give you hands-on experience using creative
methods I have developed over the years to modify existing or create new things.
This class will take apart electrical & mechanical devices to see what makes them work
and possibly modify or redesign them to do something different or better.
This is a fun class designed to show how to apply scientific principles and theory in
creating special products that solve or meet specific needs. Most classes teach rules and
formulas; this one teaches application skills and uses hands-on projects to demonstrate
the theories.

Discriptions         Back To Top

Sci-Tech-1   was Technical Science   a 2-yr class for ages 9-14

Note: Its possible to qualify for Pre-Engineering college credits if you take 3 yrs of Tech Sci & Pre-Engr studies. This will give you a major advantage over other students and the possibility of advanced placement. I suggest 2 yrs in this class before taking Pre-Engineering.

If you have any interest in technical fields of study this class is a great chance to see what
it's all about. The class is designed for returning or new students wanting to develop a strong
technical foundation.
This class combines elements of science, engineering and physics with fun to build
special electrical and mechanical projects. This unique mixture helps develop
creative skills, analyical thinking and divergent problem-solving methods.
Each year offers new and/or modified projects selected to appeal to the imagination and to
demonstrate and apply scientific principles. Physics wiz or not - kids will be simulated and sucessful in this very "can-do" experience! A must for the learner with curiosity.

Descriptions Back To Top

Sci-Tech 2 was Pre-Engineering. for ages 11-17

Requirements: 2 yrs in Sci-Tech 1 or over age 12 and know basic electronics.

The class goals are to develop a working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems and build fun projects that demonstrate basic principles.

The hands-on projects (most are new ea yr) will be selected to develop the students understanding and application of skills and problem solving abilities. The projects, which they keep, get the students involved, hone decision making skills and reward them with many tangible results.

Students will learn proven methods of creative problem solving & logical design steps which I've developed over the last 50 years. Each success reinforces the desire to try something new & develops an I-can-do-it mentality.

Building these Hi-tech projects is more than most students get to experience, anywhere! The process is challenging and fun. Discover: learning is exciting, quiting isn't an option, to be in charge, become better at everything you do. The ability to Find creative solutions and solving complex problems is very rewarding and can become a way of life.

Come: Hone your skills and learn creative and divergent problem solving methods. Build more difficult projects from scratch or kits. Learn to understand, apply and explain complex concepts to others.
We will build electrical and mechanical projects that are yours to keep.

Learn to understand basic principles and theory well enough to plan, organize and construct a project from concept to "out-the-door" completion, enjoy the ride! Each year offers new and/or modified projects selected to appeal to the imagination and to demonstrate and apply scientific principles. This is a "you ain't seen nothing yet!" kind of class! My camp and warbot birthday party helpers (paid positions) are selected from this class. See helper qualifications if you are interested.

Descriptions Back To Top

Fall Class Schedule
Home-school, after-school & Private School classes

Available to teach at other locations on Wed/Thurs .... if interested in offering our program call or E-mail Jim McMillan, 214-521-1444.

To attend classes at one of the Co-Op's you must join their association. However, Richardson Heights Park Center is open to all students with classes on Tues morningat 9 & 11 and After-school from 3-6.

Mon: SALT Home-school Co-Op, Now meets at Faith Bible Church in Cedar Hill. Apx 2 mi East of Hwy 67 on Pleasant Run Rd - one mile past Trinity Church.

Tues: Heights Park Recreation Center, Apx 1 mi West of Hwy 75 on Arapaho, turn left into parking lot, in Rm B1 & B2 from 9-11am and 3-6pm

Tues: RHSA Home-school Co-Op , Meets at Faith Bible Church 1101 Custer Rd. Apx 3/4 mi West of Hwy 75 on Arapaho, turn Right at light on Custer, apx 3 blocks on the left - use entrance behind the church- one mile past Trinity Church.

Wed - Fri Open to teach at other locations .... if interested in offering our classes or camps at your location, contact Jim McMillan by E-mail or call 214-521-1444 to
set a time to meet or discuss options.

Class Registration:

click here to go to   Camp Registration
Heights Park Center: 711 West Arapaho, Richardson Christmas & Summer Camps,
Homeschool & Afterschool classes.To register call 972-744-7850 or see Richardson's
Recreation Today catalog. Any questions? e-mail or call Jim McMillan, 214-521-1444.

SALT Homeschool Co-Op: Plesant Run Rd, Cedar Hill. Meets at Faith Bible
Church, apx two miles East of Hwy 67. Visit SALT web-site Salt Coop , e-mail address
, saltcoop@sbcglobal.net, Co-Op phone no. answered on Mon & Wed during school
hours 972-890-8117.
RHSA, Richardson Homeschool Assoc. Visit their web-site www.RHSA.org .
The Co-Op meets at Northrich Baptist Church, 1101 Custer Rd, their phone no. answered
Tues & Thurs during school hours is 972-234-8404. E-mail: coopregistrar@comcast.net
General information: Class cost vary due to the fees I'm charged.
The Co-Op classes are usually $45/mo due to small fee they charge me.
Heights Park (City of Richardson)is raising fees making my class go up $4 in Sept.
The $75 materials fee covers all projects but actual expenses are over $100/student.
Check Announcements on Homepage for class information & special bulletins.
Check the new Fall schedule for class times and Locations.

Mon:   SALT Homeschool Co-Op, South Dallas This is 08 schedule

                 apx 8:00
How Things Work
(ages 9-16)
                 apx 9:15
Technical Science
(ages 9-12)
                 apx 10:30
Pre-Engineering
(ages 12-16)

Please Note: Its possible to qualify for Pre-Engineering college credits if you take 2 yrs of Technical Science and Pre-Engineering. This will give you a major advantage over other students and the possibility of advanced placement.

Tues:   Heights Park Center, 711 W Arapaho This is 09 schedule
You can start classes at Heights Park at any time, however, the
Co-Ops only allow registration at the start of each semester!
           Homeschool classes
                  9:00 - 10:00
        Sci-Tech 1&2
(ages   9+)
                  10:15 - 11:15
        How Things Work
(ages 10+)

          After school classes: Register for Tech Sci, but take either class
                                                         Tech Sci in Rm B1, Pre-Engr in room B2
                  3:15 - 4:15
        Gadgets & Gizmo's
           (ages 7-10)
                  3:15 - 4:15
        How Things Work
           (ages 10+)
                  4:30 - 5:30
        Sci Tech 1
           (ages 10-15)
                  4:30 - 5:30
        Sci Tech 2
           (ages 12+)
Tues:   RHSA Homeschool Co-Op, Richardson This is 09 schedule
              Note: these classes are also offered on Tues at Heights Park Center
              (711 West Arapaho, only 3 min away)! If you have schedule conflicts
               come to that location as well.
                 12:30-1:25
Gadgets & Gizmos
(ages 7-10)
                 1:30-2:25
Sci-Tech 1
(ages 9-12)
                 2:30-3:25
Sci-Tech 2
(ages 12-18)

Please Note: Its possible to qualify for Pre-Engineering college credits if you take 2 yrs of Technical Science and Pre-Engineering. This will give you a major advantage over other students and the possibility of advanced placement.

mouse over graphics
to hear the sheeps challenge
You can't catch us
because we're so...!

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Note: Sheep to "Bozo", catch us IF you can!

Rules to play SpreadSheep Game!
Game obtained from www.sunncity.com
1. Timing starts when you click 'Start'
2. Use your mouse to herd sheep into the pen
3. Watch-out the sheep will try to escape!
4. Game ends when all sheep are in the pen
5. Good = do in less than 26 sec!
          Expert = do in less than 10 sec
            My best (so far) = 7.01 sec!
            Student best (John G) = 4.40 sec!
          Special - anyone faster than the above!
6. Click 'Back' button, top of game page to exit
the game - then click below to Return to menu.

START

Have fun, challenge your friends!

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Camp Movie Library:
Current list of available movies - mostly shown during lunch & breaks!
PG-13 rarely shown. To restrict give Jim a note & tell your kids to leave room & not watch.

#        Title:                               Description:                   Rating:
1
Animusic 1 & 2
Animated instrunmets
G
2
MIT Robotics Museum
"Machines" by Arthur Ganson
G
3
WALL.E
Future World of specialized Robots
G
4
Ice Age
Need to trade this BlueRay Movie for DVD version - returned BD player!
G
5
Cars
a world where everything is a car
G
6
Grease
20th Aniv limited Edition fully remastered with THX sound
PG
7
Orig. Italian Job
Wild Mini-Cooper getaway cars
G
8
Madagascar, Return 2 Africa
Need to trade this BlueRay Movie for DVD version - returned BD player!
G
9
Fantastic 4
Rise of the Silver Surfer
PG
10
National Treasure
Search for Treasure Map
PG
11
Night at the Museum
The Museum comes alive at night
PG
12
Short Circuit
Adventures #5 Robot Prototype
PG
13
Raise Your Voice
Hilary Duff's Best Film
PG
14
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15
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16
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17
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18
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19
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20
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21
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22
New Italian Job
Using new Mini's, same story
PG-13
23
Lord of the Rings
The Return of the King
PG-13
24
Days of Thunder
Tom Cruise, Nascar Racing
PG-13
25
i, ROBOT
SuperBots attempt takeover
PG-13

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